🚀 go-pugleaf

In article <359b067b.46917870@news.okc.oklahoma.net>,
   in@the.sig (E. Faubion) wrote:
>Dennis.Jensen@dwt.csiro.au (Dennis Jensen) wrote:
>
>>Okay Earl, I have downloaded it, and I definitely do not have to eat crow,
>
>You apparently missed page 7.  Keep reading.
>
>But as I pointed out in the email copy you also sent (a nasty habit,
>how about toggling that feature off) if in your mind the report
>provides no fodder for the speed kills crowd it simultaneously
>deflates the raising-speed-limits-reduces-fatalities crowd's argument.
>
>Early data is in for 1997 and it shows an increase in fatalities on
>the interstate system where, not so coincidentally, speed limits have
>also increased.   Just more stuff for some to try and explain away as
>nonsense while their own date (from the same sources no less) supports
>their views.  No wonder the speed crowd has no audience in the
>legislator.  As heavy footed as many legislators are, they still know
>a phoney when they hear it.
>

But hang on Earl, if there are more people travelling on interstates, there 
will be more fatalities. You seem to be as hung up on raw numbers as are our 
media. The only statistically meaningful number is the fatality RATE.

>The URL for that last document is:
>
>http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/people/ncsa/pdf/prelim.pdf
>
>if you're interested.  It's only 4 pages.

I have read it, Earl, and I am really confused. The document states that the 
fatality rate is marginally less than 1996, so could you please explain what 
that comment about lead footed drivers and fatalities. Even with raw numbers, 
it states that the number of occupant fatalities fell by 1%. Numbers increased 
(page 4) in terms of overall fatalities, but the rate went down. To quote "An 
estimated 42000 people lost their lives in fatality crashes in 1997. This 
represents a 0.2% decrease from the 42065 reported for 1996. "
In the next paragraph it states "Based on the FHWA's estimated increase of 2.0 
percent in vehicle miles of travel.........."

Sorry, Earl, but what this adds up to is SAFET roads this year than last year, 
DESPITE the increase in speed. The naysayers are ALWAYS saying how the death 
rate is going to go up, unfortunately for their argument, the reverse always 
seems to occur.

Dennis 
>
>
>efaubion@oklahoma.net
>http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Prairie/6123/